1999 BMW 323 vs. 2009 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 520 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 128 kg more than 1999 BMW 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 2009 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 323 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
